Coaching Yourself to Leadership: Five Key Strategies for Becoming an Integrated Leader

Assertive versus Aggressive

Some people confuse assertiveness with being confrontational and aggressive. Being a leader in their minds means being tough enough to bark out orders and not back down. This can be confusing to women who are told that they must be aggressive if they want to make it in business. The women who take that advice can get labeled with the “B” word, and end up offending everyone—doing themselves great harm in the process. Sometimes men mistake aggression for assertiveness; confrontational, aggressive behavior to them demonstrates their virility and power. “Aggressive” communication, however, is negative, because it lacks the key element of respect for others. Whether male or female, aggressive people are out to win their ...